The true burden of tuberculosis in Malaysian prison

Prisons are common settings for tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks, yet screening and prevention services can be extremely limited. As the spread of drug-resistant TB increases, understanding and monitoring levels of the disease among vulnerable populations can minimize the delay of much-needed treatment. According to the researchers, the high prevalence of TB inMalaysian prisons suggests that evidence-based TB control programs urgently need to be implemented. Such programs could have a positive impact on the overall rates of TB, not only among prisoners but also in the general population at large.